Panthers rolling early over the Buccaneers

The Panthers have had an annoying tendency to play down to competition for much of the Ron Rivera era.

It appears they’re putting that reputation to rest, at least for a night.

The Panthers are off to a 14-3 lead over the winless Buccaneers after a pair of long touchdown drives.

DeAngelo Williams just ran in from 12 yards out to cap a six-play, 80-yard drive. And that one looked like a hurry-up offense compared to the 15-play, 70-yard drive which preceded it. Cam Newton hit Greg Olsen for a touchdown to end that one.

Newton’s a clean 9-of-10 for 98 yards passing, and is showing a well-rounded game so far, running for third down conversions and also showing strength and poise in the pocket.